Different shades of green: from quantity to quality for improving tropical forest restoration

Summary

Tropical forests are vital for global biodiversity, climate stability, and local livelihoods. In response to widespread deforestation, tropical forest restoration has become a global priority. This PhD research examines how different restoration methods can contribute to recovery of forest quantity, quality, and ecosystem services to nature and people. I studied in total 6 restoration methods that differ in forest quality and the services they provide. Findings highlight that halting deforestation and protecting young, naturally regenerating forests should be prioritized to restore tropical forest functioning. Furthermore, natural forest recovery increases with surrounding forest connectivity, and decreases with human impact such as high surrounding agricultural land uses—showing that spatial planning for successful restoration is crucial. Monitoring forest restoration progress is crucial. Remote sensing, specifically advanced drone-systems, has a high potential to monitor different restoration types. Overall, successful restoration requires a shift in focus from forest quantity to forest quality, and inclusive, locally grounded strategies to ensure long-term forest permanence and impact.